Drayton Manor Park, the family theme park in Staffordshire, has launched a new mobile app to enable virtual queuing to assist with social distancing among guests.

The theme park has teamed up with Attractions.io to develop the app which guests can download to any smartphone. The app was launched in time for the park’s phased reopening on July 4.

The app informs guests when it is their time to board a ride, subsequently eliminating the need for visitors to queue for attractions. The virtual queueing feature means guests can enjoy spending more time exploring the park and less time waiting in queues, a long-established frustration of theme parks.

Other features of the new app including an interactive map, live waiting times, wayfinding, and day planning. Visitors can plan their itineraries at the park to blend seamlessly with the virtual queueing feature.

Alexa Hickling, director of sales and marketing at Drayton Manor Park, commented:

“The park was keen to invest in new technology to remove common points of friction and help guests make the most of their visit. We chose Attractions.io for their comprehensive platform functionality and innovative approach.

“When the pandemic struck, Attractions.io were really proactive, helping us identify opportunities to use the app to help improve guest safety as well as their experience. We’re confident that the app will deliver significant value to our guests and our team both now and in the future.”

Mark Locker, CEO at Attractions.io shares Hickling’s enthusiasm of the partnership, stating:

“We’re delighted to have been able to support Drayton Manor Park in their aspirations to improve their digital guest experience. Technology will be a key part of the new normal for the theme park experience and parks like Drayton Manor Park who embrace new technology early will be able to secure an early advantage which will be vital for re-building guest confidence and ensuring a strong recovery.”